Americana Fest: Brandi Carlile Presents Unforgettable ‘Northern Lights’ at City Winery

By Wil Comstock

MCAU Staff Writer 

     I was pretty excited about the Thursday afternoon show at City Winery.  I knew anything Brandi Carlile was involved with would be good.As I waited for the “Northern Lights” show to begin, I counted eight empty chairs on the stage.  One for Brandi, and the two listed on the show, Sean McConnell and Ashley Ray. I wondered who else would show up.

     Sista Strings: I and everyone else was blown away by sisters, Monique (cello) and Chauntee (violin) Ross.  You may have seen them in the backing band for Allison Russell at the awards show. Their strong sense of melody, harmony and syncopation had me on the edge of my seat and brought me to my feet. They did an instrumental classical composition that lifted us to the heavens and gently brought us back to earth. “Her Name Was Me” was nothing short of genius.  Why don’t these women have an album out yet???

     Marc Scibilia: What a pleasant surprise discovering this native Buffalonian. His timeless intimate voice and unique songs really captured me. I could listen to him all day. On “Summer Clothes,” he tells of finding a former girlfriend’s summer outfits while looking for his winter jacket in the closet, bringing back a flood of memories.

     Sean McConnell:  I had seen Sean once before and was happy to see him again. He is a prolific songwriter. With cuts by Tim McGraw, Meatloaf, Rascal Flatts, Brothers Osborne, and Brad Paisley. His rich vocals and soul-searching lyrics have made him a sought-after addition to any writer’s night.  He opened with “Nothing Anymore” and closed with the thought-provoking “Buy the World for the Price of your Soul” He surprised us by bringing out Garrison Starr to duet on the heart wrenching “Nothing Without You.”

     Ashley Ray:  This young woman is going places and in fact has already had songs cut by Little Big Town, Lori McKenna, and Charles Kelly of Lady A. She introduced “Pauline,” a song about her Kansas-born grandmother, who worked at the ammunitions plant and canned pork 'n' beans at Stokley's to put food on the table for her children. Ashley performed each number with a pure midwestern country voice and strongly crafted lyrics.

     Brandi Carlisle with Tim and Phil Hanseroth (The Twins) kicked off with “The Eye,” the three-part harmony song about the temporary resting place in the eye of the storm. Allison Russell came out to sing the stirring “You’re Not Alone” with Brandi, supported by the Twins, and Sista Strings. Everyone gave a standing ovation when Tanya Tucker appeared on the stage to sing the 2019 Song of the Year she penned with Brandi,“Bring My Flowers No.” Tanya recalled how she gave Dean Dillon the line “Ocean Front Property in Arizona,” which he turned into a George Strait hit. Carlile closed this wonderful event with the tender “Stay Gentle.”

Americana Fest Opens at Optimist with Music and all the Trimmings

The Optimist, Concord Records 9/13/22

Report from MCAU Staff Writer Wil Comstock

 

     After finding a place to park by the petroleum plant (who knew we had one of these in Nashville), we made our way to The Optimist on Adams Street in Germantown.  The place was packed as we registered to get in.  My eyes were fixed on the seafood spread against the wall. Could this be for us?  The answer was yes!  Huge shrimp on ice, several kinds of oysters on the half shell, and the best hush puppies I have ever had. Chuck Whiting, MCAU Editor, was delighted, since he’s a pescatarian!  Concord Records spared no expense on this spread.  Once seated, we were told there was another buffet section with hors d’oeuvres and desserts.  Did I mention there was an open bar all evening?  After filling our tummies, we headed down the hall to the show.

     First up was Caroline Spence, who performed her set with a sweet mountain voice accompanying herself on guitar. Her honest lyrics and intimate delivery really drew me in.  We were seated on the left side where some of the musicians unpacked their instruments. A husky guy with overalls and a floppy hat removed his guitar and waited his turn.  I couldn’t help but wonder what this chap would sound like.  The emcee announced “Bony James” as he made his way to the stage.  His gut bucket guitar had me nodding, and his smooth blues vocals had me smiling.  Really enjoyed his fun love song “Pigsty!”  Red head Bella White gave a solid traditional country set, playing guitar with upright bass and fiddle side musicians. I really liked the reflective ballad “The Way I Oughta Go.”  Another red head, Logan Ledger, was up next.  From my seat, in profile, he looked a little like John Sebastian of the Lovin’ Spoonful.  Logan had my foot tapping on the upbeat ballad “All the Wine in California.”  At this point, we left our coveted seats for a bathroom break and a fresh drink.  Fortunately, the show was pipped into the restauant.  While sipping my cocktail, I heard the most longing beautiful voice with a lone guitar.  Looking through my program, I found it was Katie Pruitt!  If you get a chance check her out, you won’t be disappointed.  We made our way back to the showcase to catch the last act, Sierra Ferrell. What a polished and well-rehearsed act.  Playing guitar, she was joined by fiddle, upright bass, mandolin, and backing vocals.  I loved her take on Western Swing with her West Virginia hill country vocals.  What a fun set!  What a great night!

Learn more about the Americana Music Fest at www.AmericanaMusic.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @MusicCityArts and @Chuck.Whiting. 

Americana Fest: Concord Records Throws a Big Party to Open Festival

 Chuck Whiting’s Arts Diary: 9-14-22

“I’ve grown up in a church and Gospel music was a big thing - and Bluegrass - but I just think of that music my buddies and I listened to growing up in the hills. It was as meshed together as what people now call Americana.” — Tyler Childers (Americana Music Fest is my favorite event of the year, and Concord Records (i.e. Rounder Records) truly knows how to throw a party. Music industry pros and others gathered at the Optimist in Germantown (north Nashville) Tuesday night for delicious seafood appetizers, desserts, and of course, live music. The atmosphere and hospitality were splendid, and the live music outstanding. Roster acts taking the stage included but were not limited to Caroline Spence, Bonney James, Bella White, and Logan Ledger. Special thanks to Concord’s crew and the Optimist’s waiting staff for being the perfect hosts. A full day of festivities (interviews and live music) are in store for us on Wednesday before the big annual awards show at the Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday night. Nashville is indeed Music City this week in a big way. For those of you who haven’t heard Americana music, it’s defined as an “amalgam of American music formed by the confluence of the shared and varied traditions that make up the musical ethos of the United States, specifically those sounds that are emerged from the Southern U.S. such as folk, gospel, blues, country, jazz, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and bluegrass.” It’s a refreshing and real life expression through songwriting and musical performance that stirs me to my bones. I’ll try to post a clip of a live performance in one of my posts. Have a great Wednesday everyone!) #ChuckWhiting #ChucksDiary #Americana #AmericanaMusicFest #AmericanFest #Music #LiveMusic #AmericanMusic #Concord #ConcordRecords #RounderRecords #CarolineSpence #BoneyJames #BellaWhite #LoganLedger #Optimist #OptimistRestaurant #Germantown #NorthNashville #Nashville #MusicCity #Festivals #Art #Arts #MusicCityArts 9-14-22

Follow Chuck at @Chuck.Whiting and @MusicCityArts on Facebook and Instagram 

Brandi Carlile Wins Artist of the Year, Wows Crowd at Americana Honors & Awards Show

 

By Wil Comstock

MCAU Contributing Writer

 

                  NASHVILLE -- The 20th annual Americana Honors & Awards Show took place at the Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday (Sept. 22).  The top award, Artist of the Year, went to Brandi Carlile.

 

                  Accepting the award she said, “To be artist of the year after a year like we have all had as a community, there’s a weight to it, I know it’s profound. I don't take it for granted because it was hard to be an artist this year -- a year full of love and loss and debilitating empathy. People died, and people were born, and we were just trying to love each other."

 

                  Carlile also won this award in 2019.  She performed the poignant  “Right On Time” from her upcoming album, "In These Silent Days."

 

                  Tributes in song were given to those that left us in the last year.  The house band with Aaron Lee Tasjan on lead vocals rendered  “Can’t You Hear Me Knockin'” in memory of Rolling Stone’s drummer Charlie Watts.  Aoife O’Donovan and Joe Henry performed “Gulf Coast Highway” in honor of Nanci Griffith.  Buddy Miller gave a fitting tribute to Tom T. Hall with “How I got to Memphis.” The show closed with Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell performing “Let it Be Me” and “Bye Bye Love,” remembering Don Everly.

 

 

                  Song of the Year was awarded to John Prine for “I’ve Seen Everything.” It was accepted by his wife Fiona and their three sons.  Amanda Shires, Brandi Carlile, and Margo Price gave a stunning rendition of this, the last original song Prine recorded.

 

                  Charlie Crockett won for Emerging Artist, humbly commenting that he’s made 10 albums, but he’s only now being recognized.  His performance of the rootsy “Are We Lonesome Yet” is sure to win over new fans.

 

                  The Legacy of Americana Award, presented in partnership with the National Museum of African American Music, went to the Fisk Jubilee Singers.  They were joined by the soulful Leon Timbo singing the hand-clapping, foot-stomping gospel number “I Believe."

 

                  One of the cultural roots influences was the Mavericks giving a stunning Spanish performance of “La Sitiera,” backed by a string quartet, horns and accordion. 

 

                  One of the evening’s highlights was the lovely Valerie June singing “Call Me a Fool” backed by Stax legendary artist Carla Thomas.  Thomas picked up the Americana Inspiration Award and sang one of her early hits, “Baby." Carla has worked tirelessly with Artists In The Schools, a youth-focused non-profit along with being an inspiration to many.

 

                  Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association, summed up the evening best saying, “Given today’s uncertain times, there is no greater assurance that the power of music brings people together to uplift their spirits when they need it the most. I’m beyond proud of our artists and community for reminding me again why this is my favorite night of the year, every year.”

 

                  Follow Music City Arts on Instagram and Facebook @MusicCityArts.

 

Jed Hilly Leads Rousing Toast with Americana Ale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Americana Music Association Executive Director Jed Hilly celebrates the introduction of this year's Americana Ale with Yazoo Brewery Sales and Marketing Director Neil McCormick. Dozens of industry professionals gathered at the brewery off Music Row on Aug. 12 to give a rousing toast to the upcoming Americana Music Festival, which will fill Nashville with music and song from Sept. 15-20. (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

Americana Music Association to Stage Mini-Festival at Ascend Amphitheater on Sept. 19

      NASHVILLE -- The Americana Music Association, in partnership with AEG Live/The Messina Group, has announced plans to produce a one-time-only "mini-festival" at the new Ascend Amphitheater on Saturday, Sept. 19 in downtown Nashville during its 16th annual Americana Festival & Conference.

     The one-day celebration of roots-inspired music will feature the legendary Loretta Lynn, Americana stalwart Steve Earle, revered acoustic duo Gillian Welch and special guests Tift Merritt, Eric Heywood, Nikki Lane, Emmy Rose Russell and more. The event will feature two stages with more artists announced in coming weeks.

     Doors will open at 4 p.m. CST. Tickets are $25, $45 and $75 and will go on sale via Ticketmaster on Friday, July 31 at 10 a.m. Details will be provided to Americana Conference registrants as to how to obtain a discounted rate on these tickets.

     The event will take place during the critically acclaimed Americana Music Festival & Conference, presented by Nissan, and is primarily driven to the greater Nashville community.

     "We're proud of the success of our boutique festival and conference, but this event at the Ascend Amphitheater is really for the entire community, not just the folks in the industry attending our business conference" said Americana Executive Director Jed Hilly. "It's a celebration of the great city of Nashville and who better to highlight such an event than Miss Loretta Lynn."

     Lynn was honored by the Americana Music Association last fall with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement for Songwriter award and wowed the crowd with her stunning rendition of “Coal Miner's Daughter.”

     To learn more about the Americana Festival & Conference, visit www.AmericanaMusic.org.